Our official paddle for August 2nd, like the previous week was postponed. With it being a full moon about 8 of us went anyway. We had toyed with the idea of going on Wednesday night instead of Thursday because full moon was Wednesday. However Wednesday night was forecast for clouds, and that would defeat the purpose of going for a full moon paddle. So Thursday it was.
With a late sunset we launched about an hour later than we have been so we could time our paddle back to be by moonlight. We met at Coopers Green - Viriginia, Sonia, Naomi, Bill, Pat, Kathy, and two other gentlemen whose names I have momentarily forgotten - and headed out for Frenchman's Cove.
We explored the channels and islands that comprise Welcome Pass, surprised a lone kayak camper, shared mars bar squares (that I actually made for another train manager, but the boss forgot to take them with him) and just enjoyed the scenery.
We had timed it perfectly, ahead of us the sun was a great big ball of orange...
Behind us it was pink and blue and orange stripes...
The water was a little choppy, and there was a slight breeze but nothing too challenging.
As we headed into Smuggler Cove the moon was just visible above the trees. The photo below doesn't show it but it was huge.
We paddled into Smuggler Cove. We contemplated going for a swim, but it was getting dark and a little chilly and the mosquitos were out in force. So we stopped long enough to put some long sleeve layers on, have a drink (of water), eat the last of the mars bar squares and admire one last view of the sunset.
We set a fairly leisurely speed for home. Noone was in a hurry. In previous weeks once we turn for home, it always seems like we are in a hurry to get back. Not so tonight.
Why would we? Look at this? How could we miss this? Paddling home by the light of the full moon.
It was after 11pm by the time we docked, nothing like loading your kayak onto your car by torch light. I think this is my favourite paddle so far. I'd love to do another full moon paddle. I'd also like to paddle at sunrise. Chances of that happening are slim. I like my sleep.